Monday, March 16

11 Ways to Take a Mental Vacation by Tinisha Johnson

11 Ways to Take a Mental Vacation
by Tinisha Johnson



During economic difficulties, you may not always have enough funds to take even one vacation, let alone more than one or two vacations per year. We live in a fast track world where time escapes us all, and the time that is available, is often not enough, leaving us tired and drained, while we try to squeeze in life’s little pleasures. Whether you take a physical vacation in the near future or not, why not schedule some mental and relaxing activities now, so you can take the edge off.

Our mind is the way we connect with our inner emotions, and with the outer world. With everyday stress, our minds can become overloaded and overwhelmed. This is usually the time when you find yourself easily frustrated, not sleeping well, irritated by the slightest of things, or feel a loss of energy on a frequent basis. Stop, take a deep breath, and learn ways you can relax your mind, body and spirit, even if it’s in the comfort of your own home.


1. Meditation
What does meditation do for you? It connects you with your inner self. It calms and places you in a relaxed state. It also helps to release stress and increases self-awareness. Those who practice meditation on a regular basis have said it’s transformed their entire body. If you’ve never meditated before, you could be missing out. There are several techniques and levels. To start off, you may want to experiment with the type of meditation where you close your eyes, and concentrate on various breathing techniques. There is free information online that can help get you started. Also, talk with a certified health specialist on the various ways to meditate.

2. Read a Book
Reading can be a relaxing and entertaining activity. Browse the library or a book store and spend just a few moments reading about subjects or genre’s you love. While you are reading, don’t allow your mind to wonder off to anything except the words that lay on the page. Become deeply involved in the book. Make a commitment that you will schedule out a few minutes each day, or an hour per week and engage your mind in the book of your choice. Make sure you keep your reading schedule until you’ve finished the book.

3. Take up a hobby
Kids seem to have more hobbies than adults. There has to be something you love besides plopping in front the TV set. It doesn’t have to be hard or far fetched. Things like gardening, taking photos, journaling, or drawing are just a few out of a thousand. Figure out what you love to do, or at least would like to try. Even if you think you don’t have the time, spend just a few moments and write out some suggestions. Then write out what steps you’d have to take to get started.

4. Exercise
Exercise is one of those words some people cringe when they hear. You’ll also hear the most common excuse: “I don’t have time.” Exercise doesn’t have to be 2 hours at the gym body pumping and slaving away on a stair master or cardio machine. Start off with walking or any activity that will get your heart rate going. Exercise definitely makes you feel better after you’ve done it. You’re never hear anyone say after exercising, “I wish I hadn’t done that.” You will always feel better afterwards. Exercise gives you energy and clears your mind.

5. Revisit your photo albums
Many of us have photos we cherish. Some may be sitting right in front of us or along the wall in our homes. Revisiting photo’s of friends and family allows you to take a mental trip down memory lane, and embrace the people you love, including those who are still present in your life. Every now and again, we need to reflect on where we’ve been in life, because it helps us become more aware of where we’re going.

6. Take a walk
Depending on where you live, this could be just around your block, up a hill, at a nearby park, in the mountains, or along the sands of a beach. Life can go by in a flash if we let it. Why not take a walk and get to know nature a bit. We can take someone with us on the walk if we choose. If you’ve driven down a particular road hundreds of times, why not try walking along side that same road. You’ll notice the experience is quite different. Walking in general allows you to pay attention to your surroundings just a little bit more.

7. Visit the museum
I’m sure you can remember back when you were a kid, the museum trip you used to take with your school and classmates. You learned so many fascinating facts about history. Taking a visit to a museum is definitely something different. Just changing up our daily routine just a bit, could be all we need. It’s a positive experience if nothing else. Go by yourself, or take a friend, a child, or a family member. Take in the knowledge. What type of an effect has history had on you personally? Visit the museum with the insight that you will come out learning something new.

8. Listen to soothing music
Music refreshes us in so many ways. Music can change our moods in an instant. What type of mood would you like to be in now? You can purchase CD’s with the sounds of nature on it. Take a risk and buy one, and lay back relax and listen to it. You’d be surprised how you’ll feel afterwards. You can be sure your mood will change. They say the sounds of nature changes the vibrations of the mind’s thought process, and provides a sense of peace, even if just for the moment.

9. Get a massage
Treat yourself and go to a spa or pay to get a professional massage. Let someone else help you smooth out your stresses of the day. It will definitely be worth it. Many massage locations give discounts for first-time customers.

10. Cleanse your body
A body cleanse can rejuvenate and improve your digestive system, and your overall health. There are various body cleanses. When some people think of body cleanses, they think you have to go without food. Although those types of cleanses exists, there are also cleanses where you don’t have to eliminate your food intake. In fact, there are many ways to detoxify the body from toxics present in your body. Ask your doctor or a pharmacist what types of body cleanses may be right for you and your lifestyle.

11. Write it out
Are you troubled by something or someone? Are you overworked and completely drained? If so, write it out. Put pen to paper, and write out your worries, concerns, and dislikes. Getting your feelings out on paper can be a major therapeutic release. In essence, writing out your emotions can release the negativity from inside. After you have written out your feelings and what you don’t want, you need to write what you want, to balance it all out. Writing out your problems and concerns helps you face and recognize them. Writing out what you want brings you closer to resolution.

In conclusion, right now plan to take your mental vacation within a few days or weeks, and enjoy yourself and have fun!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tinisha Nicole Johnson is an author, writer, and poet residing in Denver, Colorado. She’s written various books, and writes freelance articles for the Denver Examiner. Besides writing, she also hosts political and sports teleconferences. Books by Tinisha at Amazon.  Learn more about the author at her website: www.TinishaNicoleJohnson.com

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